Bridgestone to quit F1 after 2010 season

F1's sole supplier of tyres on Monday announced its decision to pull out
of the sport after the 2010 season.
2010 marks the third year of Bridgestone's exclusive supply contract with
Formula One, and a media statement said the Bridgestone ...

F1's sole supplier of tyres on Monday announced its decision to pull out
of the sport after the 2010 season.

2010 marks the third year of Bridgestone's exclusive supply contract with
Formula One, and a media statement said the Bridgestone Corporation in
Japan decided not to seek an extension.

A disappointed Hiroshi Yasukawa, boss of the company's motor racing
programme, said the decision was about the redirection of "resources
towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and
strategic products".

Bridgestone entered F1 in 1997 in competition with Goodyear, and later
pitted its products against Michelin's.

It was the only supplier in 2007, then entering a contract to be the sole
official supplier between 2008-2010.